FORENSIC Crash Unit officers have charged a woman with manslaughter after investigations into a fatal crash at Bundaberg on January 1, where two cars collided around 8.50pm at the intersection of Branyan Street and Woondooma Sts.
Ben Turnbull

Teen refused bail following manslaughter charge

UPDATED 5.45pm: POLICE will allege an 18-year-old Gladstone woman accelerated as she drove her car through a give way sign with the headlights turned off, when her car hit and killed the passenger of another car.

Kaylah Jodynne Hadwen was denied bail in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday after being charged with manslaughter, following Queensland's first road fatality of the year on New Year's day.

Hadwen is accused of causing the death of 34-year-old Bargara man Matt Cooper, while Darren Fraser, 37, suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital, after two cars collided around 8.50pm at the intersection of Branyan and Woondooma Sts, Bundaberg.

Hadwen was also charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing grievous bodily harm.

In opposing bail, police prosecutor Barry Stevens told the court a passenger in the car being driven by Hadwen told police the defendant allegedly turned off her headlights and did not slow down as she drove through intersections on Woondooma St leading up to the crash.

Sgt Stevens said passengers in the vehicle also told police they were "shitting themselves", and one passenger said he thought Hadwen was allegedly driving in a manner "trying to prove what a cool driver she was".

He said a female passenger told police the defendant "slowed for the first intersection and then accelerated to a point where she (the passenger) felt scared."

Sgt Stevens said the defendant's actions showed a "scant regard for her safety or others" and he said she had shown "little remorse for the consequences of her actions".

He said initial investigations suggested the defendant's car was travelling at 100kmh in the 50kmh zone when it struck and killed Mr Cooper.

Sgt Stevens told the court the defendant was a risk to herself, and the defendant's mother believed she had some suicidal tendencies.

But defence lawyer Nick Larter argued his client would hand over her driver licence and reside at her parent's address outside of Gladstone - conditions that would be sufficient to grant bail.

Mr Larter said Hadwen's mental health would not benefit by throwing her into a concrete cell.

But Magistrate Aaron Simpson said he was concerned the defendant was a risk to herself and denied bail

"I am concerned about her being suicidal," he said.

Hadwen was remanded in custody to appear again on March 5.

EARLIER: FORENSIC Crash Unit officers have charged a woman with manslaughter after investigations into a fatal crash at Bundaberg on January 1.

Matt Cooper, 34, of Bargara, died after two cars collided around 8.50pm at the intersection of Branyan Street and Woondooma Street, Bundaberg.

Five people were transported to the Bundaberg Hospital with one person, a 37-year-old local man sustaining serious injuries.

An 18-year-old Bargara woman has been charged with manslaughter, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing grievous bodily harm.